A study of the economic benefits of regional parks will be released at a luncheon forum, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm November 2, 2000, at the Brazil Room in Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley. Sponsors of the forum include the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Economic Development Alliance for Business, the Bay Area Council, the Contra Costa Council, the Contra Costa Economic Partnership, the Tri-Valley Business Council, and the Regional Parks Foundation. Admission is free but seating is limited and reservations are necessary—contact Rosemary Cameron, EBRPD, 510-544-2003.
The study focuses on the impacts of regional parks on economic indicators such as quality of life, property values, environmental preservation, health, education, and benefits to the local economy from park district investments and visitor spending. It is intended as a tool for assessing the role of regional parks in balancing the East Bay's economic growth with open space and agricultural preservation, housing, transportation and education needs.
The study, commissioned by EBRPD, is being completed by Walter F. Keiser, Managing Principal of Economic and Planning Systems, Inc. The information is expected to be of particular interest to local officials, parks and recreation professionals, community and regional planners, and business and environmental leaders. Participants at the forum will receive a summary version of the study results.
Read the Monitor's article on this study in the December 2000/January 2001 issue.